Bascule lift-bridge.



nu. 633,8". K Patented sept.' 2s, |899.

J. P. cowma'. I f Y BASGULE LIFT BRIDGE.

(Application filed Hay 25, 1899.)

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,Patented Sept-26,1899." v' l.L P.vcowme, BSCULE vLIFT BRIDGE.

' (Appliiion alea my 25, 1999.)

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i i A In. 633,8". f Patented Sept. 26,-l899- v J.'P.' COWING.- l BSGUL-E 'LIFT BRIDGE.

(Applicltion ld hy 25, 1899.) A (Ito Indem a sheets-snep: a,

ed form of the improvement.

` v UNITED 'STATES PATENT FFICE.

JOHN PHIL() COWING, OF CLEVELAND, GHO.

BscnLE LIFT-BRIDGE.

SPECIFICTIQN foimng part 0f Letters Patent NO. 633,811, dated September 26, 1899. l Application filed lliay 25, 1899;. Serial No. 718,209. (No model.)

To ft2-Z whom, it muy concern:

Beit known that I, JOHN PHILo CowINo, of Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a new and Ir'nproved Bascnle Lift-Bridge, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved bascule lift-bridge arranged to uniformly load the bridge piers or abutments and to permit oi conveniently opening and closing the bridge with comparatively little power, the bridge being in equilibrium at all angles of itsthrow and dnring the opening and closing of the bridge.

The invention consists of novel features:

and parts and combinations of the same, as

will be fully described hereinafter and then pointed out in the claims.

A practical embodiment of the inventon'isr Y being on the line 3 3 in Fig. l.. Fig. iis an enlarged sectional side elevation of a moditransverse section of the saine on theline in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan View of the roller-bearing for the same, and Figs? andS are diagrammatic side'V elevations ofI modified forms of the improvement. I

The bascule lift-bridge illustrated Vin Fig. l is provided with two spans A A', meeting in the center and both alike in construction, each span having its pier or fulcrnm end formed with a-segmental bearing-surface B, mounted on arolling-surface formed by rollers C C' and intermediate rollers D,all journaled in suitable bearings in a base-block E, attached tothe pier F. O n the shaft of one of the rollers (as shown the roller C) are held loosely the pinions G, in mesh with the segmental-gear racks G', secured to the segmental bearing-snrface B, so that when the pinions G are rotated ajrotary motion is imparted by the said pinions to the' segmental- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the pier withy Fig. 5 is a' gear racksG' to cause a swinging of the span either into an open or closed position, according to the direction in which the pinions G are turned. The pinions G are shown inV mesh with the pinions H, secured on the driving-shaft I' of a motor l, preferablyr located on the pier F and under the control of the bridge-tender; but any suitable gearing between the pinions and motor maybe employed.

The, construction of the mechanism for imparting a swinging motion to the spanmay .be varied. For instance, as shown in Figs. 4, 5, and b', theontermost rollers G C' are :connected at their shafts C2 by means of sprocket-wheels G2 G3 and a chain G4, and on the shaft C2 of the roller C is also secured a gear-wheel H', driven from a suitable motor, so that when the latter is setin motion a frotary motion is transmitted by the gear-wheel H' tothe roller C and by the sprocketwheels G2 G and chain G"l to the roller C to cause ,the rollers C C' to im part a rotary motion by lfrictional contact to the bearing-surface B,

so that the span A swings either into an open or closedposition, according to the direc-.l

tion in which said rollers OC'are rotated.

rThe bearing-surface B is in line contact with the peripheral surfaces of the rollers, andv when the span is actuated the intermediate rollers D VD are also rotated by thebearingsurface B. In order to hold the bearing-surface By in proper position on the rollers, I provide said surface at one or both sides with flanges B', extending over the endfa'cesv of the rollers to prevent lateral displacement of the bearing-surface on the rollers to keep the span at all times in proper alinement across the stream. The fulcrnm end of each span A and A is provided with a connterweight J, and on the bearing-surface B is arranged a curved stop K, adapted to engage the peripheral surface of the roller C at the time the span A is in a nearly-vertical open position, thus preventing the span from opening too far.

The betteln chord A2 of the span A or A' vided'with an axle or trunnions N, turning in bearingsN" and located at the centen; of

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the segmental bearing-surface, and which center is also the center of gravity of the span. (See Fig. 7.) The bearings N' are on frames or standards attached to the pier F or the base-plate E,

The counterweight J is equally disposed above and below the line ot' the center of gravity, and the center of gravity of the counterweighted mass is eqnidistant from any point on the periphery of the segmental bearingsurface. By the construction described the span when unrestrained by a load will rest in equilibrium at any point of its throw and the center of gravity does not change position at any time during the opening or closing of the bridge, and consequently it requires but vlittle power to open or close the bridge. For very long spans the counterweight is extended beyond the segmental bearing-surface; butfor short spans the counterweight is confined within the segmental portion of the fulcrumed end of the span. In order to extend the counterweight beyond the segmental bearing-surface, it is necessary to properly extend some of the beams of the spans to carry the said weight between the trusses and the segmental bearing-surface, so that the counterweight clears the rollerbearing,sufficient space being provided on the pier or abutment for the free passage of the weight when it is swung into an open position or back into a closing position. This space may -be provided by a well or recess in the pier or by using two spaced piers, two roller-bearings on the said piers, and two Correspondingly-located segmental bearingsurfaces on the span.

For single-span bridges used on canals and other narrow waterways the span when closed becomes substantially fixed-that is, its two ends have arm bearing on rigid metal shoes or pedestals L L;2 on the foundations F F2, as will be readily understood by reference to Fig. 8, it being understood that in this case the fnlcrum end of the span rests upon the pedestal L', adjacent to the roller-bearing, to carry the weight of the span when closed,thus relieving the bearing-surface and the rollingsurface of all strain.

It is expressly understood that in all cases the static or dead weight of the span is carried by the rolling-surface when the bridge is open; but when the bridge is closed the rolling-surface carries only a smallportion of the live load, as the principal strain incident to the live or moving load of the bridge is taken up by the skewbacks, pedestals, or other supports andtransmitted to the abutments or piers, and the bridge is converted into a fixed bridge of arch, girder, or other type.

The motive power for opening and closing the bridge, as shown, is located onthe piers supporting the spans, thus making the bridge self-contained and without requiring any approach-spans upon which to locate the motive power or to act as anchorages to pull and push against when opening or closing the bridge. The skewback L further forms a stop for the span to prevent the same from dropping below a certain level when the bridge is closed, to insure a perfect level of both spans when the bridge is closed. By having the rolling-surface B in frictional contact with the driven surfaces the friction is reduced to a minimum,so that comparatively little power is required to open or close the bridge.

I do not limit myself to the peculiar form of driving-gear, as it is evident that a swinging motion may be given to each span by different mechanism, such as a strut, as indicated, for instance, in Fig. 7, the surface B, however, rolling on the rolling-surfaces formed by the journaled rollers C, C', and D.

By reference to Figs. '7 and 8 it will be seen that different types of bridges may be provided with theimprovement, and it is evident that the form of my improvement can be greatly varied, according to the form of the bridge to be used for spanning a river, stream, or the like, and the improvement is equally applicable to two-span bridges as well as to single spans. (Shown in Fig. 8.)

Having thus fully described my invention, l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Pditenl-*T l. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with a span having a segmental bearing-surface engaging a rolling-surface, and supports for the ends of the span when the latter is IOO closed, the supports being independent of the rollingsurface, so that the latter is relieved of the strain from the live or moving load, and said strain is transmitted by said supports to the abutments or piers, substantially as shown and described.

2. A revolving bascule-bridge provided with two spans each provided at its fulcrum end with a segmental bearing-surface engaging a rolling-surface, the free ends of the spans being adapted to abut one on the other when the bridge is closed, and a support for the fulcrum end of the span when the latter is closed, the support being independent of said rolling-surface, substantially as shown and described.

3. A revolving bascule-bridge, -provided with two spans each having at its fulcrum end a segmental bearing-surface engaging a rolling-surface, the free ends of the spans being adapted to abut one on the other, the spans forming an arch when the bridge is closed, and skewbacks for the shore ends of the bottom chords or arch of the span, substantially as shown and described.

4. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with two spans each having at its fulcrum end a segmental bearing-surface engaging a rolling-surface, the free ends of the spans being adapted to abut one on the other, the spans forming an arch when the bridge is closed, and skewbacks for the shore ends of vthe bottom chords or arch of the span, said 'skewbacks forming a stop of the span, to pre- IIO IZO

vent the latter from assuming a position be-v low the proper level when the bridge is closed, substantially as shown and described.

5. A revolving bascule bridge, provided with a span having a segmental bearing-surface in engagement with a rolling-surface, a skewback for the end of the bottom chord of the span to rest on when the bridge is closed,

, and a foundation supporting both the said skewback and the said rolling-surface and receiving the load of the bridge as Well as the Weight of the span, substantially as shown and described.

V. A revolving bascule-bridge having ay l rest and roll on a rolling-surface formed by a series of rollers, and a curved stop on said segmental bearing-surface and adapted to engage the peripheral surface of one of said rollers at the ltime the bridge is open, substantially as shown and described.

8. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with a span having a segmental bearing-surface, a series-of rollers simultaneously engaged at their peripheral surfaces by the said segmental bearing-surface, a bearing carrying the said rollers, and a shoe or skewback adjacent to the said'bearing and adapted to be engaged by a part of the span when the bridge is closed, substantially as shown and described.

9. A revolving bascule-bridge having a movable span provided at its fulcrum end with a segmental bearing-surface, adapted to rest and roll on a rolling-surface formed by a series of rollers,and a rack or racks on the axle of said roller,and imparting a swinging motion to said span, substantially as shown and described. i i i vlO.v A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with a span having a segmental bearing-surface adapted to rest and roll on arolling-surface, and having a trunnion through its center of gravity resting on a frame which relieves the said rollers from any strain or pounding which may be caused by the live or moving load, whereby said strain is transmitted by said frame to the abutments or piers, substantiallyas shown and described.

ll. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with a span having a segmental bearing-surface, a series of rollers simultaneously engaged at their peripheral surfaces by the said segmental bearing-surface, a bearing carrying the said rollers, a shoe or skewback adjacent to the said bearing and adapted to be engaged by a part of the span when the span,

bridge is closed, and a motor on said pier and geared to one of the said rollers, substantially as shown and described.

l2. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with a spart having a segmental bearing-surface in engagement with a rolling-surface, formed by a series of rollers journaled in `fixed bearings, a skewback for the end ol' the bottom chord of the span to rest on when the bridge is closed, and a foundation supporting both the said skewback and the said rollingi surface and receiving the load of the bridge as well as-the weight of the span, substantially as shown and described. l

13. vA revolving bascule-bridge, provided with two spans each having at its fulcrum end a segmental bearing-surface engaging a rolling-'surface formed bya-series of rollers journaled in fixed bearings, the free ends of the spans being adapted to abut one on the other, the spans forming au arch when the bridge is closed, and skewbacks for the shore ends of the bottom chords or arch of the span, substantially as shown and described.

14. A revolving bascule-bridge having a span with acounterweight, the center ofgravity of which is equidistant from any the periphery of a segmental bearingsurface, adapted to rest and roll on a rolling-surface formed by a series of rollers, and a curved stop on said segmental bearing-surface, and adapted to engage the said peripheral surface of oneof the said rollers at the time the bridge is open,substantially as shown and described.

l5. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided With a span havinga segmental bearing-surface, and a counterweight equally disposed above and belowthe line of the center ofv gravity of the span and extending beyond the segmental bearing-surface, a series of rollers simultaneously enga-ged at their peripheralv Vsurfaces by the said segmental bearing-surface, a bearing carryingtbe said rollers, and

a skewback adjacent to the said bearing and adapted to be engaged by part of the span when the bridge is closed, substantially as shown and described.

16. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with a span having a segmental bearing-surface in engagement with a rolling-surface, and having its fulcrum end provided with a connterweight to counterbalance the span at any angle of its throw, a skewback for the end of the bottom chord of the span to rest on when the bridge is closed, and a foundation supporting both the said skewbackand the said rollingsurface and receiving the load of the bridge as Well as the Weight of the substantially as shown and described.

17. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with a span having a segmental bearing-surface, a series of rollers simultaneously engaged at their peripheral surfaces by the said Ysegmental bearing-surface, a bearing carrying the said rollers, and a shoe or slrewbaclr adjacent to the bearing, said bearing being provided with a rack which is engaged by a IOO IIO

pinion geared to a motor which imparts a swinging motion to the said span, substaw tially as shown and described.

18. A revolving` bascule-bridge having a movable span provided at its fulcrurn end with a segmental bearing-surface adapted to rest and roll on a rolling-surface formed by a series of rollers journaled in fixed bearings, and a rack on said segmental bearing-surface engaged by a gearewheel running loosely on the axle of the said rollers, and said gearwheel engaging a pinion which is rotated by a motor imparting a swinging motion to said span, substantially as shown and described.

19. A revolving bascule-bridge having a span with a counterweight on the fulcrum end of the span and having the center of gravity equidistant from any point on the periphery ofthe segmental bearing-surface, adapted to rest and roll on a rolling-surface formed by a series ot` rollers jonrnaled in fixed bearings, and a curved stop on said segmental bearing-surface, and adapted to engage the peripheral surface of one of the rollers, at the time when the bridge is open, substanf tiaily as shown and described.

20. A revolving bascule-bridge provided with a span having a segmental bearing-surface adapted to rest and roll on a rolling-surface, c having a counterweight equally disposed above and below the line of the center of gravity of the span and extending beyond the segmental bearing-surface, to counterbalance the span at any angle of its throw, and having a pin through the centerof gravity resting on a frame which relieves the said rollers from any strain or pounding which may be caused by the livev or moving load, whereby said strain is transmitted to the abutments or piers, substantially as shown and described.

2l. A revolving bascule-bridge provided With a span having a segmental bearing-surface provided with an axle or trunnion, a skewback for the end of the bottom chord of the span to rest on When the bridge is closed, and a foundation supporting both the said skewback and a rolling-surface conforming to and in engagement with the said segmental bearing-surface, so that when the span is revolved it turns about a fixed point which is the center of the. segmental bearing and rolling surfaces, substantially as shown and described. f

22. A revolving bascule-bridge, provided with arspan having a segmental bearing-surface, a rolling-surface engaged by said segmental bearing-surface, a skewback for the end of the bottom chord of the span to rest on when the bridge is'closed,'a pier for supporting said skewback and rolling-surface, and a motive power located on said pier, for imparting a swinging motion to said span, substantially as shown and described.

23. A revolving bascule-bridge having a span provided witha segmental bearing-surface, a counterweight equally disposed above and below the line of the center of gravity and having a pin through the said center of gravity, said pin resting in a frame Which holds the span iirmly to the masonry and at the same time allowing the entire span to revolve about said center of gravity, askewback for the end of the bottom chord of the said span to rest upon when the bridge is closed, and a foundation supporting both the said skewbaek and the said rolling-surface and receiving the load of the bridge as Well as the weight of the span, substantially as shown and described.

24. A revolving bascule-bridge having a span provided with a segmental bearing-surface adjusted to rest and roll on a'rolling-surface, havinga counterweight equally disposed above and below the line of the center of gravity of the span and extending beyond the segmental bearing-surface and having a skewback for the end of the bottom chord ot' the span to rest on when the bridge is closed and a foundation supporting both the said skewback and the said rolling-surface and receiving the load of the bridge as Well as the Weight of the span, substantially as shown and described.

JOHN PHIL() COWING. Witnesses:

A. H. PORTER, F. M. Snnevvrcx. 

